JOHOR — A foreign national from Singapore had to pay a steep price after being found guilty of violating fuel distribution rules. The driver, who was caught filling up with subsidized RON 95 petrol at a petrol station in Johor, Malaysia, was fined RM 20,000, or around Rp 88 million.
Sessions Court judge Che Wan Zaidi Che Wan Ibrahim imposed the sentence after the male defendant, believed to be around 50 years old, admitted his guilt in court. In addition to the fine, the judge ordered a three-month jail term if he failed to pay.
A CNA report on Saturday (7/4/2026) said the defendant immediately settled the fine on the same day the sentence was handed down.
Enforcement of New Rules in Johor
The case came to light after officers from Malaysia’s Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living caught the man filling RON 95 petrol into the tank of his black Honda Civic on April 9. He is believed to be the first person arrested in Johor since new regulations on tighter monitoring of subsidized fuel purchases took effect on April 1, 2026.
The Johor director of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Lilis Saslinda Pornomo, stressed that the enforcement action sends a strong signal to foreigners who try to misuse the country’s subsidies.
“The success of this prosecution shows the government’s commitment to combating the misuse of subsidized goods to protect consumer interests and maintain national supply stability,” Lilis said.
Strict Penalties Under the Control of Supplies Act
The Malaysian government has actually banned foreign-plated vehicles from buying subsidized RON 95 petrol since 2010. The policy was introduced to ensure public subsidy funds are enjoyed only by eligible citizens. At present, the price of RON 95 petrol for local residents is set at a relatively affordable RM 1.99 per liter.
The rule changes introduced in April broadened the scope of enforcement. Now, penalties target not only errant petrol station operators, but also drivers of foreign-plated vehicles directly.
Under the Control of Supplies Act 1961, drivers found guilty can face fines of up to RM 1 million or prison terms of up to three years, or both.
For repeat offenders, the punishment is much heavier, with fines of up to RM 3 million and prison terms of up to five years.
Meanwhile, petrol stations or companies caught serving subsidized petrol to foreign vehicles also face fines of up to RM 2 million. If repeatedly negligent, corporate fines can rise to as much as RM 5 million.
Impact on Cross-Border Vehicle Users
The case serves as a strong warning for cross-border travelers to better understand local regulations on subsidized public facilities.
For the public, the incident shows that authorities now have sharper legal tools to curb subsidy leakage. In the end, the tough stance aims to keep fuel reserves available for domestic residents who need them.
Not knowing the rules in the destination country is no longer a valid excuse for drivers. The legal action taken by the Johor court reflects that the misuse of subsidized goods is a serious criminal offense, with financial consequences far more costly than the difference in fuel prices itself.
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